Uzbek Labor Migration to Russia Declines in H1 2026
The number of citizens working in Russia fell by 13.2 percent during the first half of 2026.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Employment
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Data from the first half of 2026 shows a 13.2 percent drop in the number of Uzbekistan citizens working in Russia, declining from 1.358 million in the same period of 2025 to 1.179 million. Despite this migration shift, remittances from Russia grew by 8.8 percent year-on-year.
Why it matters
A decline in labor migration flows can weigh on household incomes and overall consumer demand in the origin country. As migration patterns shift, workers are increasingly looking toward destinations including the European Union, Turkey, and South Korea for employment.
Official reports indicate a 13.2 percent decrease in migration to Russia compared to the prior year, alongside a 9.8 percent drop in domestic job vacancies during the second quarter of 2026. As of July 1, 2026, 70,000 Uzbek citizens were located in Turkey and 102,200 in South Korea.
The players
Uzbekistan
This Central Asian nation serves as the primary source of labor migrants currently diversifying their work destinations across Europe and Asia.
Russia
Historically the main destination for migrant workers from Central Asia, it remains a critical source of incoming remittances for the region.
The details
Labor migration from Uzbekistan is diversifying as workers seek opportunities in new markets like the European Union. While migration to Russia decreased, the total number of citizens working there in 2025 reached 1.495 million under patent-based arrangements.
Timeline
In 2025, 1.495 million citizens worked in Russia on patents.
During the first half of 2025, 1.358 million citizens worked in Russia.
In the first half of 2026, 1.179 million citizens worked in Russia.
During the second quarter of 2026, domestic job vacancies fell by 9.8 percent.
As of July 1, 2026, populations were recorded in Turkey and South Korea.
Macro View
This migration trend mirrors the broader 2025 increase in migrant flows from Uzbekistan to the European Union. It suggests a structural shift in labor destinations that diverges from decades of reliance on Russian employment markets.
The decline in migration and domestic job vacancies suggests tighter labor market conditions that may affect household budgets. Workers and families should monitor these shifting international opportunities and the impact on remittance-dependent income.
The takeaway
Workers should consider diversifying their search for employment across expanding markets in Europe and Asia. Tracking remittance trends remains vital for understanding the financial stability of households currently transitioning away from traditional labor routes.
Further reading
For broader economic context, read more on Employment.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tashkenttimes.
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